SF is known for it’s diversity. A mecca of cultures, religion, ethnicity and sexuality, it’s really no surprise that one of our most celebrated festivities is the Annual Gay Pride Weekend. Apart from the parade, there’s also tons of parties, after parties and everything in between. We decided to feature Pride Guide links so you can navigate the weekend that truly represents San Francisco- vibrant and so full of life!

http://sfpride.org/

The main website for all the details regarding the festivities from the SF LGBT Pride Celebration Committee.
The San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration Committee® is a 501(c)3 non-profit membership organization founded to produce the San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade. SF Pride is dedicated to education, to the commemoration of LGBT heritage and to the celebration of LGBT culture and liberation.

On this edition of Rebecca’s Recommendations: Links of the Week, we will be featuring free things to do in SF this June. Yes you read it right… FREE! Enjoy San Franciscans!

North Beach Festival 2014

Considered as one of the country’s original outdoor festivities, North Beach festival is in it’s 60th year running! The event will feature over 125 arts and crafts booths, 20 gourmet food booths, stages, live entertainment, Italian street painting, beverage gardens and kids’ chalk art area. Get the opportunity to participate in a domestically-renowned tradition called Blessing of the Animals.

Sherryfest is one of the most prominent events featuring the Spanish wine. Created by esteemed Peter Liem, Sherryfest blew up first in NYC and later on in both Toronto and POrtland, OR. So come on wine enthusiasts! Enjoy free sessions in wine pairings and tastings.

In it’s 36th year, the local sports event is free for both spectators in this prime Marina location. With sponsors such as Zoe’s Meats, Dino’s Pizza, Hint, Popchips and Joint Juice- you won’t have to worry about halftime nibbles!

Technology giant Apple has announced the fall release of their newest operation system iOS 8. Along with new and improved applications, is one of their most ambitious and admittedly exciting feature yet- Home Kit. It is a new platform for management and facilitation of home gadgets. Through HomeKit, iPhone users will be able to control their smart home devices. Aiming to replace garage door remote controls, security camera surveillance and even trips to the light switch, it consolidates basic homeowner tasks through a touch of a button and a voice command to Siri.

Here are some HomeKit features that stood out:

Control individual smart devices from your home.Be able to use voice control through Siri.Home device grouping- control a series of items all at once. (Whole rooms to entire floors!)

Apple partners up with more than a dozen established companies. August (smart locks), Phillips, Honeywell, iHome and TI, among many. A certification will come along with HomeKit to make sure products supports the features.

The Cat House on the Kings is the world’s largest cat rescue, where more than 700 cats roam a 12 acre plot of land in Parlier, California. This no-cage, no-kill, lifetime cat sanctuary and adoption center has saved more than 20,000 cats, 6,000 dogs and … some goats.

http://www.cathouseonthekings.com/

Art

Washed Ashore at The San Francisco Zoo. A beautiful exhibition of art with an eye-opening message about ocean pollution.

http://www.sfzoo.org/announcements/washed-ashore

Food

Lazy Bear is one of San Francisco’s most exclusive supper clubs that feature underground dining. A must-try for every foodie.

http://www.lazybearsf.com/

Events

WWDC is in town! The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2014 takes places June 2-6 in San Francisco with an in-depth look at the latest in iOS and OS X. Tickets are sold out but it’s never too late to get invites for an after-party!